Father Demands Justice as Son Dies in Lagos Hotel Swimming Pool

Father Demands Justice as Son Dies in Lagos Hotel Swimming Pool

A grieving father, Henry Airenekhuemen, has demanded justice following the death of his son, Mattias, who reportedly drowned in a swimming pool at Signatious Hotel, Ajao Estate, Lagos State.

Airenekhuemen told PUNCH Metro on Monday that his son had attended a pool party at the hotel on Saturday evening to sell tickets for income purposes. He said he was called by Mattias’ elder brother that his son had been rushed to Isolo General Hospital, but upon arrival, he was shocked to find Mattias lifeless in the car transporting him.

“I was told he drowned in the swimming pool at the Signatious Hotel. When I asked his friend what happened, he said my son was with him and a lady. About five minutes after, he tried to call my son but got no response. Upon returning, he found my son’s body in the pool,” Airenekhuemen narrated.

The father raised doubts about the drowning claim, citing unusual physical signs on Mattias’ body. “If he truly drowned, why was his stomach flat instead of swollen? And why was there foam coming out of his mouth and nose?” he questioned.

READ ALSO:

• Prof. Samson Duna: Church Attacks in Nigeria Driven by Political Motives
• National Industrial Court Bars NLC, TUC from Strikes, Protests in Abuja
• Olanipekun Urges Yoruba to Prepare for Post-Tinubu Era in South-West Politics

The family immediately reported the incident to the police, who photographed the body, transferred it to the morgue, and later visited the hotel to examine the scene. The father said questions about the presence of a diver or pool supervisor at the time were left unanswered.

So far, three individuals have been detained at the Ajao Estate Police Division: the hotel manager, a lady who was with Mattias, and his friend who reportedly found him in the pool. Airenekhuemen also alleged that someone claiming to be a hotel staff member contacted the family, seeking to “settle the matter,” raising further suspicion about the circumstances of the death.

Observations at the hotel on Monday revealed skeletal activity, with staff stating that the facility is undergoing renovation. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi had not responded to calls or text messages at the time of reporting.

The tragic incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at swimming pools in hotels and recreational facilities, following previous drownings in Lagos and other states, including a recent death of a 17-year-old in Ogun State.

Father Demands Justice as Son Dies in Lagos Hotel Swimming Pool

Punch